Education Assignment for shy

Reading Assignment #1: Hinduism, Buddhism & Islam

150 points

Instructions

1. Questions must be answered in full sentence, paragraph form. One sentence answers are insufficient.

2. Only provide answers in your submission; do NOT include the questions.*

3. Reading Assignments are individual work. Do not work with another student to answer these

questions.

Note: Each question is worth 10 points. The more detailed your answers, the more points you can earn.*

- Part One: Content/Textbook Reading (10 points per question; 12 x 10 = 120 points total)

❖ A Commentary on the Bhagavad Gita (40 points)

pgs.6-10; 24-38

1. About the Bhagavad Gita:

a. How many verses are there?

b. What does the story represent?

c. Who are the main characters?

d. What is the plot or basic outline of the story?

e. What is the “Bhagavad Gita” called in English?

2a. What is the “one problem of life”?

b. What is the Bhagavad Gita’s role in approaching or fixing this problem?

3a. How does the reading define “the greater Self”?

4a. What is the “the appeal” of the Bhagavad Gita according to the commentator?

b. What was his personal story that provoked him to write the commentary?

❖ The Gospel of Buddha (40 points)

pgs.40-51

From “The Disciple”

1. What are the “glad tidings” (or good news) of the Buddha?

From “Samsara and Nirvana”

2. What are at least five things the writer says you must do in order to “have truth”? (Use verb phrases)

From “Truth the Savior”

3. How does the writer describe “The Self”?

From “The Enlightenment”

4. Describe the circumstances behind Buddha’s birth (mention details related to his parents, the seer,

etc.)

❖ The Quran (40 points)

Pg. 60-81

1. In the very first seven verses (Confessional Prayer) of the Quran, describe the following:

a. Attributes/Characteristics of Allah (verses 1-4)

b. What believers ask from Allah (verses 5-7)

2a. What does the Quran say about Judgement Day?

b. What does the Quran say about eternity with Allah/Paradise?

3. Who are the main characters mentioned in the “Family of Imran” chapter?

(Provide brief statements describing each of them).

4a. Who are the “people of the Book/Scripture”?

b. What does the Quran say about them?

- Part Two: Modern Day Relevance/News Article & Reflection (15 points per question; 2 x 15 = 30 points

total)

5. Find a recent news article (within the last five years) about Hinduism, Buddhism or Islam and

summarize it in five sentences. This article should provide additional relevant cultural information not

covered in the PPTs.

Cite/reference your article underneath your summary.

Discuss at least two connections you made between the textbook reading or PPTs on Hinduism,

Buddhism or Islam & what you learned from the news article.

Example Connection:

From PPT - Hinduism is a polytheistic religion with female and male gods.

From Article - The mention of one or two less common female deities by name

6a. What is your personal interpretation or reaction to each of these readings (Bhagavad Gita

Commentary, The Gospel of Buddha & The Quran)?

b. What question(s) do you have that would provide you with a better understanding of each

reading?